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Ted Vander Meer Memorial Golf Classic raises more than $20,500 for the American Cancer Society

Kovacik Vander Meer.jpg

On behalf of the American Cancer Society, Cindy Kovacik, division director of distinguished events, accepted a check for $20,500 from Kurt Vander Meer, president of Continental Linen Services.
(Courtesy Photo)

PORTAGE, MI -- More than 100 golfers helped fight cancer from the fairways at the First Annual Ted Vander Meer Memorial Golf Classic on Aug. 19 at Gull Lake Country Club in Richland.

Hosted by Continental Linen Services, the golf tournament raised more than $20,500 for the American Cancer Society and will be used to provide free patient programs and services in the area.

“We are very grateful to Continental Linen Services and all the
golfers, sponsors, volunteers and those who donated prizes and auction
items,” Cindy Kovacik, division director of distinguished events for the American Cancer Society, said in a press release.

She said donations help the American Cancer Society to deliver free patient programs and
services, education and early detection messages, as well as conduct
research to find a cure for this dreadful disease.

“Today, two out of three people diagnosed with cancer are surviving for
at least five years," she said. "In fact, more than 400 people a day in the U.S. are
celebrating birthdays who otherwise would have been lost to the
disease."

She said she was overwhelmed by
the support of the Vander Meer family, "which allows us to help people
right here in our community to celebrate more birthdays.”

“Ted Vander Meer was my father, hero and friend,” Kurt Vander Meer, president of Continental Linen Services, said in the press release. “He was an influential business leader in our industry and community, and he took great pride in Continental Linen Services.”

Ted Vander Meer died in 2009 after fighting cancer for several years. He owned and operated Continental Linen Services, which was founded in Kalamazoo in 1899.